Birmingham Barons News: August 18 - August 24, 2024

Birmingham Barons Shine Over the Past Week

Pitching Excellence

The Barons' pitching staff has been the backbone of their success. Starting pitcher Drew Thorpe leads the Southern League in wins and ERA with a 7-1 record and a 1.35 ERA. Ky Bush and Mason Adams have also been impressive, with ERAs of 2.14 and 2.15, respectively. Jake Eder and Jairo Iriarte have been dominant in strikeouts, with Eder ranking second and Iriarte fourth in the league. The team's overall ERA of 2.93 is the best in all of Double-A baseball.

Batting Highlights

On the batting front, Brooks Baldwin leads the Southern League with a .337 average, followed closely by Tim Elko with a .317 average. Edgar Quero is tied for third in home runs with 11, and Wilfred Veras is tied for fifth with ten home runs. Quero also leads the league in RBIs with 49. The team has shown consistent performance in various batting categories, with several players ranking high in hits, doubles, and stolen bases.

Recent Wins

The Barons have had several notable wins recently. They clinched the first half of the season despite losing 5-4 to the Montgomery Biscuits, thanks to a Tennessee loss to Mississippi. They also had a thrilling 3-2 win against Biloxi, with Terrell Tatum stealing home in the 9th inning. Additionally, they pounded out 13 hits in an 8-2 win over the Biloxi Shuckers and had a 6-5 win over Biloxi with Jacob Gonzalez hitting two home runs.

Managerial Leadership

Under the leadership of first-year manager Sergio Santos, the team has shown high expectations and a strong team dynamic. Santos expressed his excitement about managing the Barons and believes in the team's potential.

Community Engagement

The Barons have also been involved in community events, such as the Rickwood Classic, where they played at their former home, Rickwood Field, wearing the uniforms of the 1948 Negro League Black Barons. This event highlights the team's connection to Birmingham's rich baseball history.

Conclusion

The Birmingham Barons have demonstrated their prowess on the field and their commitment to the community. With their strong pitching and batting performances, they are set to make a significant impact in the second half of the season. Their engagement with the community through events like the Rickwood Classic shows their dedication to preserving and celebrating Birmingham's baseball heritage.